Founder’s Day 2025
Dear Scouts, Leaders, and Members of the Scouting Community,
Happy Founder’s Day! Today, we come together to celebrate the incredible legacy of Lord Robert Baden-Powell and the life-changing impact of Scouting. From its humble beginnings on Brownsea Island in 1907 to a global movement of over 57 million members, Scouting continues to inspire, challenge, and empower young people around the world.
As Chief Commissioner, I am deeply honoured to be part of this extraordinary movement. Scouting has played a transformative role in my own life, equipping me with invaluable skills—leadership, teamwork, resilience—that have shaped me both personally and professionally. The beauty of Scouting is that these lessons come naturally, often without us even realising it, as we embark on adventures, tackle challenges, and grow together as a community.
One of our greatest responsibilities is ensuring the safety and well-being of our Scouts. Following guidance from the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian, Scouts Australia is updating our Code of Conduct to provide clearer expectations and reinforce our commitment to a child-safe environment. To support this, we are introducing a new mandatory on-demand learning module. This concise, 15-minute module, now available at training.scouts.com.au under Mandatory Training, ensures that all adults in Scouting continue to understand and uphold their responsibilities. Current members are asked to complete this by World Scout Day (1 August), and new members within three months of joining.
By taking this step together, we reinforce our shared dedication to making Scouting a place where young people can thrive, explore, and develop into tomorrow’s leaders. Your commitment, enthusiasm, and passion are what make Scouting so special, and I am endlessly grateful for the time and effort each of you contribute.
In a world that is increasingly digital, Scouting remains a vital space where young people can step away from screens, embrace the outdoors, and experience the joy of adventure – safely! Whether it’s a first camp, a challenging hike, or a community service project, every moment in Scouting fosters resilience, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
The journey through Scouting is unique for everyone, but the values we uphold together —respect, integrity, service and child safety—bind us together. As we celebrate Founder’s Day, let’s take pride in being part of a movement that has changed lives for generations and will continue to do so for many more to come.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your dedication ensures that Scouting remains a beacon of hope, adventure, and possibility for all.
Yours in Scouting,
Brendan J Watson OAM
Chief Commissioner Scouts Australia